BLOOD MOON BONDS

Prologue

The final bell rang like a hymn of freedom, echoing through the halls of Northview High. I stood at my locker, shoving textbooks I’d never need again into my backpack, feeling the weight of the past four years lift off my shoulders. Around me, seniors whooped and hollered, tossing crumpled papers into the air like confetti. The air buzzed with that electric mix of relief and possibility—summer stretched out ahead, endless and golden. But for me, it wasn’t just the end of high school that had my heart racing. It was what came next: the camping trip with Grace Covenant Church.

I’d been counting down the days since Pastor Daniel announced it at youth group three months ago. Fifteen of us, plus three leaders, heading into the Adirondack Mountains for a week of fellowship, worship, and nature. My parents, Mark and Emily Creed, weren’t exactly the outdoorsy type—Dad preferred his armchair and a theology book, while Mom fussed over her garden like it was a second child—but they’d agreed to let me go. Pastor Daniel had sat them down over coffee, his warm voice assuring them that the forest was safe, that we’d be in good hands. “A chance for Isla to grow in faith and community,” he’d said, and I’d seen the way Mom’s worried frown softened. Dad had nodded, his glasses slipping down his nose as he murmured something about trusting God’s plan.

I zipped up my backpack and slung it over one shoulder, the straps digging into my skin. The hallway smelled faintly of sweat and cheap perfume, a reminder of the humid June day pressing against the windows. I couldn’t wait to trade the fluorescent lights and linoleum floors for the scent of pine and the rustle of leaves. I’d never been camping before—not really, unless you counted the time Dad tried to pitch a tent in our backyard and gave up when the mosquitoes swarmed—but I’d dreamed of it. The Adirondacks sounded like something out of a storybook: towering trees, hidden trails, and lakes so clear you could see straight to the bottom. A place where I could breathe, away from the noise of school and the constant hum of my parents’ expectations.

“Isla!” A familiar voice cut through the chaos, and I turned to see Vivian Tran weaving through the crowd toward me. Her dark hair was pulled into a messy bun, strands escaping to frame her face, and her brown eyes sparkled with that mix of mischief and warmth I’d come to love. We’d been friends since sixth grade, when she’d shared her peanut butter sandwich with me after I forgot my lunch. She was the kind of person who could make you laugh until your sides hurt, but she also knew when to listen.

“Hey, Viv,” I said, grinning as she skidded to a stop beside me. “Survived finals?”

“Barely,” she groaned, leaning against the locker next to mine. “Mr. Hargrove’s history exam nearly killed me. I swear he’s got it out for me. But you—” She poked my arm, her tone turning playful. “You’re practically glowing. What’s got you so chipper, Miss Valedictorian?”

I rolled my eyes at the nickname. I hadn’t even wanted to be valedictorian—too much pressure to write a speech that didn’t sound like a cheesy motivational poster—but the grades had stacked up, and here I was. “It’s not that,” I said, adjusting my backpack. “It’s the camping trip. We leave tomorrow morning, and I can’t wait. Fresh air, campfires, worship under the stars…”

Vivian’s smile faltered, just for a second, before she forced it back. “Right. The church trip. I’m so jealous, Isla. You have no idea.”

I frowned. “I thought you were still trying to convince your parents?”

“I did,” she said, her voice dropping. “But they shut it down. Dad said it’s too dangerous, and Mom backed him up. Something about bears and ticks and how I’d probably trip over a root and break my leg. They’re being ridiculous.” She crossed her arms, her lips pressing into a thin line. “I mean, it’s not like you’re going into the wilderness alone. You’ve got Pastor Daniel and a whole group. It’s not fair.”

“I’m sorry, Viv,” I said, and I meant it. I’d been hoping she’d come along—her energy would’ve made the trip even better. “I tried talking to them at the potluck last week, but your dad just kept saying no.”

“Yeah, well, that’s my parents for you.” She sighed, then forced a smile. “At least one of us gets to escape. You’d better take tons of pictures and tell me everything when you get back. I want to hear about the cute deer and the s’mores and all the cheesy camp songs.”

“Deal,” I said, laughing. “Though I’m pretty sure Pastor Daniel’s going to make us sing ‘Kumbaya’ at least once. He’s got that vibe.”

Vivian snorted. “Oh, definitely. You’ll be strumming a guitar and braiding flower crowns in no time.” She paused, then added, “Seriously, though, I’m happy for you. You deserve this.”

“Thanks,” I said, warmth spreading through my chest. I reached out and squeezed her hand. “I’ll miss you, though. It won’t be the same without you.”

“You’ll survive,” she teased, squeezing back. “Just don’t get eaten by a bear, okay? I need my best friend in one piece.”

“No bears,” I promised, grinning. “Pastor Daniel said it’s totally safe. Just trees, trails, and us.”

The bell rang again, a final signal for everyone to clear out. Vivian and I joined the stream of students heading for the doors, stepping out into the warm afternoon sun. The sky was a perfect blue, streaked with wispy clouds, and I tilted my head back to soak it in. Tomorrow, I’d be in the mountains, surrounded by nature and faith and friends. It felt like the start of something big, something God had planned just for me.

I had no idea how wrong I was.